The elements that make springtime kayaking in the region so popular are also what make it so dangerous.<\/p>\n
As snow melts and spring rains increase, waterways swell to their highest levels of the year. Higher water means faster water, and an increase in exciting rapids.<\/p>\n
\u201cAround here, on big rivers like the Susquehanna, run off might not be as big of a problem because the depth and width of the river allows for slower water movement, but creeks will absolutely be faster and deeper, which can make it dangerous for beginner kayakers,\u201d said longtime kayak enthusiast Meghan Delsite, from Sunbury.<\/p>\n
\u201cCold water isn\u2019t for the inexperienced, so make sure that you know what you\u2019re doing. The water is going to be a little faster, and inexperienced paddlers often underestimate just how cold the water is and what cold water can do to their bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Consider the following tips when tackling the area\u2019s many creeks, lakes or the Susquehanna River.<\/p>\n
1. Wear your PFD (personal floatation device).<\/p>\n
New state laws require that PFDs be worn between the months of November and April, according to Nelson Wenger of Penns Creek Kayak rentals.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor a long time, the law suggested you needed to have a life jacket along with you in the boat,\u201d he said. \u201cNow it is mandatory to be worn when boating on colder water.\u201d<\/p>\n
And be sure to wear it correctly, suggested Betsy Quant, of Canoe Susquehanna.<\/p>\n
\u201cMake sure it fits well and actually take the time to buckle it,\u201d she said. \u201cWe used to not make a big deal about it if we know the person can swim well, but there are just too many things that can happen, even for the best of swimmers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also, a newer Pennsylvania law requires kayakers to have a whistle or other loud noisemaking device on them in case of emergency.<\/p>\n
2. If you aren\u2019t experienced, practice first on still water.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor first-timers, I usually recommend starting out on something calm,\u201d said Wenger. \u201cDon\u2019t do rapids on the first outing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Finding such waterways isn\u2019t hard in the central part of Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe predictable current of a lake or pond is easily found throughout the Valley, specifically on Walker Lake (in Snyder County), Lake Chillisquaque at the Montour Preserve (near Danville), the Central Pennsylvania Wesleyan Campground (near New Columbia) and the game lands near Allenwood,\u201d said longtime kayaker John Zangari-Ryan, of Lewisburg. \u201cFor anyone looking to get in a boat and not be worried about a faraway shoreline or the brutal strength of a current, any of these four locations is ideal.\u201d<\/p>\n
3. Find a decent guide unless you know what you are doing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Pennsylvania, there is no test to pass to become a kayaking guide. Anyone can put out a sign and call themselves a guide,\u201d said Quant. \u201cGood guides make kayaking fun and teach you things you didn\u2019t already know \u2014 even if you\u2019ve kayaked before.\u201d<\/p>\n
4. Watch out for debris.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe wary of strainers, which are things like logs fallen across the creek, debris build-up or natural dams,\u201d said Delsite. \u201cIn the winter, they can freeze fast. If you hit them (which you should not do anyway), you can seriously damage the boat or injure yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
5. Don\u2019t paddle impaired.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my family, the rule of thumb is that if alcohol comes out, we are done on the road and done on the river,\u201d said Quant. \u201cAlcohol and drugs \u2014 even certain prescription drugs \u2014 can impair someone and you don\u2019t want to be impaired when in the kayak.\u201d<\/p>\n
6. If the water is cold, wear a wetsuit.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne important thing to note is that you really need to wear a wetsuit in cold weather. People don\u2019t realize how quickly they can get hypothermia if they fall in the water, even if they get out quickly, because their clothing will stay wet and can freeze to their bodies,\u201d said Delsite. \u201cA wetsuit serves as insulation and though it won\u2019t serve as the end-all-be-all in protection, you\u2019ll stay a lot drier and a lot warmer.\u201d<\/p>\n
A general rule of thumb is that in water 60 degrees and up, dress appropriately for the water. Moderate hypothermia risk comes in water between 55 and 59 degrees, and a wetsuit is recommended. In water temperatures 45-54 degrees, hypothermia risk is considered high and a dry suit is suggested. In water below 45 degrees, there is a extreme risk of hypothermia and a dry suit is almost mandatory.<\/p>\n
7. Use the buddy system.<\/p>\n
\u201cEspecially for beginners, but really for any skill level, it is a good idea to kayak with a friend or family member,\u201d said Wenger. \u201cDon\u2019t be out there by yourself \u2014 you are just asking for trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zangari-Ryan agreed.<\/p>\n
\u201cNovices should certainly adventure on waters with friends for safety, but also in order to share, test and judge a variety of boats,\u201d he said. \u201cThis testing is essential to distinguish which shape and size is ideal for each individual.\u201d<\/p>\n
8. Bring sufficient water and food.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople underestimate how thirsty they get when exercising, especially when out in the sun,\u201d said Quant. \u201cYou need more food and water when you are out moving.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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